Dhaka [Bangladesh], July 4 (HBTV): Foreign Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, Md Towhid Hossain, on Thursday said that the country is actively pursuing the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, nearly a year after her ousting from power.

Responding to questions about the lack of progress on the extradition process, Hossain confirmed that a formal request had already been made and that necessary follow-up actions would be taken.

‘We have sent a letter. We will follow up if necessary,’ he stated.

Sheikh Hasina was removed from office on August 5 last year following a student-led uprising. She is currently living in India in self-imposed exile.

Following her removal, an interim government was established under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

On Wednesday, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)—a court designated for trying international crimes in Bangladesh—sentenced Hasina to six months in prison in a contempt of court case. The verdict was delivered by a three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder.

AY Moshiuzzaman, a senior lawyer, had earlier been appointed amicus curiae (friend of the court) by the ICT for a comprehensive hearing of the case.

The Chief Prosecutor filed a contempt complaint against Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leader Shakil Alam Bulbul on April 30 over their statements related to the July mass uprising case.

Formal charges allege that Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind behind widespread acts of violence during the 2024 movement aimed at toppling the government. The allegations include crimes against humanity, murders, and the burning of bodies, reportedly carried out under her orders.

In one viral audio clip, Hasina is purportedly heard saying, ‘There are 227 cases against me, so I have a licence to kill 227 people.’

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) later conducted a forensic analysis and confirmed the authenticity of the audio. This led to the filing of the contempt application before the tribunal.

The prosecution noted that Hasina neither appeared in court nor submitted an explanation through legal counsel, despite a public notice. Under such circumstances, the tribunal is empowered to pronounce punishment in accordance with the law.

Earlier on Thursday, the Awami League accused anti-national and anti-independence elements of staging a mock trial against Sheikh Hasina through a so-called kangaroo court formed to fulfil political objectives in Bangladesh. (ANI)